Where’s my refund?

Where is my 2023 tax refund?

Getting a tax refund is always a pleasant experience for anyone. However, the process of obtaining such refunds can occasionally present challenges, leading to confusion and frustration for individuals. Many taxpayers wonder, “Where’s my refund?” If you’ve ever asked this question, worry not! Let’s explore the different factors that may be contributing to the delay of your money.

How quickly you receive your tax refund depends on:

  • when you file your return
  • how you file your taxes (mail or e-file),
  • how you choose to receive your money (direct deposit or refund check), and
  • whether you claim certain credits and deductions (recovery rebate credit, earned income credit, additional child tax credit).

Usually, the IRS sends most tax refunds within 21 days of filing online or six weeks of mailing your paper return. After your e-filed return for the current year has been accepted, you can use: Where’s my refund (A refund tracker), if you are on a smartphone you can use the IRS2GO mobile app to check your refund status.

Check the status of my federal tax refund

To use Where’s my refund to check the status of your refund, you need these specific personal information:

  1. Your social security number or individual taxpayer identification number shown on your tax return.
  2. Your filing status – It could be Single, Married-filing joiny return, Married-filling separate return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er)
  3. Your exact refund amount – Providing the exact whole dollar amount is essential to receiving the correct response.

Where’s my refund: Check your IRS refund

  • Track your refund if it is at least 24 hours after the IRS receives your current year tax return
  • 3 or 4 days after e-filing any or both 2 previous tax years (2020 and 2021)
  • Expect delays if you mailed your return or responded to an IRS notice (Up to 6 months for mailed returns)
  • IRS updates refund status every 24 hours, usually overnight
  • Where’s my refund tool now provides refund information for the three most recent tax years. It is also available in Spanish

After correctly entering your information, a new page will open that shows your federal tax refund status. A progress bar with the three following messages indicates its status.

  • Received : The IRS now has your tax return for the current tax year and is working to process it.
  • Refund approved : Return has been processed and refund amount confirmed.
  • Refund sent : The money is on its way to your bank or as a paper check to your mailbox.
 

Tax Refund Status: Return is still being processed

If you see “ Your tax return is still being processed ” while checking your refund status, don’t panic! The IRS states that some returns take longer to process than others for many reasons, including when a return:

  • Includes errors
  • Is incomplete
  • Is affected by identity theft or tax fraud
  • Contains a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit
  • Involves a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which could take up to 14 weeks to process
  • Requires additional review in general. In this case, the IRS may request additional information.

The processing time of tax return submitted via mail typically takes approximately six to eight weeks for delivery. In instances where further information is necessary to proceed with the processing of your return, the IRS will communicate with you via mail.

where's my refund

When should I call the IRS?

If after using Where’s my refund, you feel the need to call the IRS. Remember, you should contact the IRS only if:

  • It’s been 21 days or more since you e-filed
  • It’s been more than 6 weeks since you mailed your paper return
  • The tool says: “we can provide more information to you over the phone”.

Follow these tips to cut your wait time and talk to a live person at the IRS.